Swedish electric hydrofoil manufacturer Candela will bring its P-12 electric boat to Trondheim, Norway, for a six-week trial to assess its suitability for commuter transport between Frosta Brygge and the city, the company said.
The Candela P-12 uses hydrofoil technology that lifts the hull about one metre above the water at cruising speeds, significantly reducing drag, noise and energy consumption. At a cruising speed of around 25 knots (46 km/h), the vessel produces minimal wake and noise, giving the impression that it is moving above the water rather than through it.
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The P-12 has already been introduced into commuter service in Stockholm, where it has been operating since last year between the island suburb of Ekerö and the city centre across Lake Mälaren. Candela has also announced plans to deploy the vessel in Stockholm’s archipelago, which stretches eastward toward the Baltic Sea.
In Trondheim, the P-12 will operate as part of the Frostabåten project, a collaboration involving property developers, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and regional and municipal authorities. The trial is scheduled to run from mid-December through the end of January, temporarily restoring a ferry connection between Frosta and Trondheim that was discontinued in 1970.
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That earlier service briefly used a diesel-powered PT-20 hydrofoil ferry, which offered fast travel times but was ultimately deemed too expensive to operate. Candela says the electric P-12 aims to revive the concept with lower operating costs and improved efficiency, potentially offering a viable model for modern commuter transport in fjord regions.
The trial highlights a broader transport challenge in Norway, where fjords often make direct water crossings the shortest route between communities. In Frosta’s case, the journey to Trondheim’s city centre by road can take around 90 minutes. Candela estimates that the P-12 could reduce the crossing time to about 30 minutes, saving commuters significant travel time.
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Alexander Sifvert, head of Candela’s European operations, said the project demonstrates how electric hydrofoil technology could support Norway’s goals to decarbonise maritime transport. While Norway has pushed to electrify its ferry fleet, high-speed routes have been difficult to convert due to high energy consumption and the need for costly charging infrastructure. Candela said the P-12 addresses these challenges through improved efficiency and the use of DC fast charging systems similar to those used for electric cars.
The trial will be used to evaluate operational performance, passenger demand and cost efficiency, and could inform decisions on whether the service should be made permanent or expanded to other regions.
